Hopes for Season 2025/26

[Ajaxman DFC]

While taking some time out during a gruelling cycle ride which has so far delivered me to a farm house, 5 miles south of Glastonbury, I thought I would start a speculative thread on our hopes and fears for next season.
First of all, our initial major signing should be a multiple one. The retainment of last season's squad. And second, a fit Emily Read would be one hell of a bonus.
As things stand Brentford, who won the L&SER Division 1 North, have yet to appoint a new manager. Unlike Fulham, Brentford fell short in their last game of the season losing their unbeaten league record going down 4-1 at Bromley.They can play a bit, but Bromley were fitter and much improved from the team we faced in the FA Cup last year.
Thanks to our coaching staff our girls should be the fittest in the league next season. The bar was high last season and it wasn't more apparent than in the Kent Cup Final. A match played at a furious pace throughout with our girls finishing the stronger side. Make no mistake, the Brentford side I saw a couple of weeks later would have been no match for our opponents Chatham Town that night.
Our fitness levels will be the key to first or second next year. The ability, skill and equally important, the desire is there. Keep working hard and our ladies will get the overdue rewards their efforts deserve.
Division 1 South winners Aylesford are in much better shape than the were when relegated last year. A midtable finish for them this season wouldn't surprise me.
Saltdean United have spent big. But that's on the pitch itself as well as updating their facilities with a much needed makeover.
We can't undestimate Dorking Wanderers. As we discovered on the opening day of the season. They are a progressive side learning to walk before they can run. Slowly but surely they are getting there, but you can't rule them out from making a dash for the finishing line next season. Their preseason activities shouldn't be allowed to go under the radar.
And, just one more thing.
Although I consider myself a champion of free speech any mention of the word "Ebbsfleet" uttered in the context of "local derby" should be banned. Particularly when in a bar post-match. If anyone from the playing side mentions this ominous fixture, home or away, then they buy the supporters a drink. Likewise if a supporter mentions the 'E' word they get a round in for the entire squad present that day.
The derby mentality must be banished because I'm convinced had The Kuflink Stadium been located anywhere else, Essex, Middlesex, Surrey or Sussex, we would have taken 6 points off them last season.

[Lol]

No doubt about it, we are in for a tough season. Everyone wants to beat Dartford FC Women. And why wouldn't they? An impressive scalp to be had. I am fully confident that with the squad, who are always hungry for success, very fit, very well coached, very determined, as are the management team pushing them hard, and terrific help from many people behind the scenes, our girls will not let us down. They haven't done before! A testament to the squad ethos is players from other clubs approaching Dartford FC Women wanting to play for them. These players know what is expected, know what can be achieved and are fully committed to the cause.
COME ON YOU DARTS.

[Ring of fire]

Can't wait to see our glorious DFC Women in action again, starting with the friendlies.